The Benefits of Early Orthodontic Treatment
Obtaining a comprehensive analysis from a board-certified orthodontist in the early years is not only a good idea but also the recommendation of the American Association of Orthodontists. Before the age of seven, seeing an orthodontist can ease any worries you might have about your child’s teeth and jawbone development.
Many people are surprised to learn that early orthodontics at Reese Orthodontics does not mean your child will get braces! It’s an intervention method that lets a professional assess their alignment and symmetry, aiding in correctly developing your child’s teeth and jaw. These evaluations aim to provide a positive esthetic and avoid more complicated issues in the future. If future intervention is required, early assessment means you can plan well in advance of undergoing treatment.
Around the age of seven, many adult teeth are beginning to erupt. This is a dynamic time, and we like to assess your child’s teeth alignment to look for signs of an overbite, open bite, crowding, or excessive gingival display, also known as a ‘gummy’ smile. One of the most significant benefits of seeing a Charleston, SC, orthodontist for early intervention is that we can see likely complications developing long before they are visible, giving us the best chance of early detection and successful interception. Treating these issues early on allows for excellent results in less time and often for a reduced cost.
How do I Know if My Child Needs to See an Orthodontist?
A complimentary screening with a board-certified orthodontist, such as Dr. Reese, can benefit every child, but it’s especially important if you notice any of these signs and symptoms:
- Early or late loss of deciduous (baby) teeth
- Teeth crowding
- Your child has difficulty biting or chewing food
- Mouth breathing
- Your child has difficulty pronouncing words or speaking in general
- Thumb sucking
- Jaw clicking, grinding, or pain
- Irregular wearing on their teeth
What Does Early Intervention Help With?
While there is no need to rush into treatment, seeing an Orthodontist in the early years means your child can avoid oral health issues that can become significantly more painful, time-consuming, and costly as they age. Some of the complications that we can assess and treat are:
- Open bites. An open bite occurs when your child bites down, and there is a gap or space between the top and bottom teeth. An open bite can cause chewing, eating, and sleeping issues when left untreated.
- Crossbites. This type of misalignment means your child’s upper teeth sit inside the lower ones. The abundance of crooked teeth with a crossbite can lead to poor oral health and esthetic concerns.
Crowded teeth. When the jaw does not have enough room for the teeth, your child may experience excessive crowding. This problem can cause several issues, from cavities, gum disease, and headaches to irregular wear of the teeth’s surface.
Underbites. An underbite presents when your child’s lower jaw protrudes in front of the upper jaw. An underbite can cause jaw pain, snoring, difficulty with eating, and bacterial infections in the mouth, known as halitosis.
Free Orthodontic Consultation for Children in Charleston, SC
We welcome you and your family to come down to Reese Orthodontics for a complimentary smile analysis. Dr. Reese and his team are adept at providing parents with information, options, and peace of mind about their child’s oral health. By calling 843.573.7279 or by filling out our online appointment request form, someone from our friendly administrative team will get you booked in a kid’s oral health screening- on us!
Reese Orthodontics is a long-standing member of the West Ashley, North Charleston, Hanahan, Goose Creek, Hollywood, Johns Island, Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island & Daniel Island communities in South Carolina. We are one of the top providers of first-rate treatments, such as the Damon braces system, Invisalign clear aligners, and early orthodontics and braces for kids. Contact us today to build a bright future for your child through a healthy, aligned smile.
As one of the premier orthodontic practices in Charleston, SC, our team at Reese Orthodontics also provides award-winning orthodontic care, and Damon clear and metal braces to patients from West Ashley, North Charleston, Hanahan, Goose Creek, Hollywood, Johns Island, Downtown Charleston, Mount Pleasant, James Island & Daniel Island, SC.